A US woman who shot and killed her husband and two adult children before taking her own life is thought to have committed the shocking crime as a result of being ostracised from the religion she was raised in.

A federal judge sentenced a former Arkansas judge Wednesday to five years in prison — a stiffer punishment than prosecutors recommended — after he admitted giving young male defendants lighter sentences in return for personal benefits that included sexual favours.

Every time I tell a mate I’m doing a story on cryptocurrency, they invariably ask me the same two questions: should they invest their own hard-earned money, and which cryptocurrency will get them a Lamborghini/yacht/island quickest?

In a 60 Minutes online exclusive, reporter Liz Hayes quizzed Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on his relationship with the unpredictable Twitter aficionado and US president Donald Trump ahead of their meeting at the White House Friday.

Hetty Johnston withdraws from mayoral race

Queensland child protection advocate Hetty Johnston has pulled out of the race to become Logan's next mayor.

The 2015 Queensland Australian of the Year decided to withdraw to spend more time with her family but said she would remain passionate about the city.

"While I'm unable to commit to the heavy schedule required for a mayoral candidate at this time, I will always have the people of Logan's best interests at heart," the Bravehearts founder said, two months after throwing her hat into the ring for the March election.